R Praggnanandhaa Becomes India’s No. 1 Chess Player After Historic UzChess Cup Win

In a remarkable moment for Indian chess, 18-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has claimed the top national spot by winning the UzChess Cup Masters tournament. With this victory, he overtakes legendary player Viswanathan Anand in the live ratings, marking a new chapter in India’s chess journey.

A Milestone Victory on International Ground

The UzChess Cup, held in Uzbekistan, witnessed Praggnanandhaa dominate the board with composed strategy and relentless focus. His win at this high-stakes round-robin tournament is being hailed as a major breakthrough not just for him, but for India’s emerging chess talent.

He ended the tournament unbeaten, showcasing maturity beyond his age against seasoned global players.

A New Era After Anand

For decades, Viswanathan Anand has been the face of Indian chess — inspiring generations across metros and smaller towns alike. Praggnanandhaa’s rise doesn’t erase Anand’s legacy, but rather builds upon it. At just 18, his consistency and confidence hint at a long career ahead.

Many chess followers from Tier 2 cities like Nagpur, Surat, and Kochi — where chess academies are growing — see this as an inspiring shift that may open up more local interest and infrastructure for the game.

A Steady Climb to the Top

Praggnanandhaa’s journey has been marked by determination and discipline. From beating world champion Magnus Carlsen in online formats to now securing top positions in classical events, he has consistently proven his strength across formats.

Experts believe that this new rank will bring greater international attention and sponsorship opportunities, possibly making chess more mainstream in India’s sports ecosystem.

Boost for Young Aspirants

In places like Indore, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar, where children are increasingly taking up chess through schools and private coaching, this achievement is likely to motivate more parents and students to treat chess as a serious career option.

With the rise of digital chess platforms and coaching apps, young talent across the country now has better access to the global stage — and Praggnanandhaa is a living example of where that road can lead.

Conclusion

R Praggnanandhaa’s historic win at the UzChess Cup and his ascent to India’s No. 1 ranking signals a powerful generational shift in Indian chess. His success not only honours the path laid by legends like Viswanathan Anand but also energizes a younger generation, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, to dream big in the 64-square arena.